Leo Baeck Programming

The Leo Baeck Education Center’s philosophy was inspired by individuals who recognized not only the moral implications of our beliefs, but also of how we choose to transmit our beliefs and how we treat those who believe differently. Their experiences during the Holocaust provided them with a model in which morality was handcuffed by the injustice of a society, and showed them that to reach the ultimate goal of Tikkun Olam, a land filled with justice, morality and the law must be joined. Together morality and law permit diversity, but also set limits on it: The diversity is a respect for difference. The limits are the restraints on power and extremism that a respect for the other entails.

Under the harshest of conditions, Rabbis Leo Baeck and Hugo Gryn never gave up and never became indifferent. They recognized that indifference was as great an enemy to justice as evil itself, and despite the gravity of the situations they faced, they did not give up joy in life and trust in their fellow human beings. Only when a society “practices tolerance, cherishes harmony, and can celebrate difference”* can life be lived in safety and to its fullest extent.

Arab-Jewish Shared Existence

Leo Baeck conducts shared existence activities and social outreach programs in conjunction with Haifa’s Arab community aimed at increasing opportunities for frequent and meaningful contact, closing social gaps, and eliminating the stereotyping and lack of understanding prevalent among both Jews and Arabs. Read More…

Supporting Ethiopian Immigrants

Creating educational opportunities for young Ethiopians is the key to their successful integration and we have therefore placed ourselves at the forefront of the City of Haifa’s efforts to provide young Ethiopians with an outstanding education, to break the cycle of poverty, and to assist with their full integration into the fabric of Israeli society. Read More…

Combating Hunger

It is our goal at Leo Baeck to feed all children who come to our schools and enrichment programs. Read More…

At-Risk Children and Youth

Leo Baeck offers a wide range of intensive programs and services aimed at providing long-term support and enrichment for children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Read More…

Special Needs Programming

In addition to individualized support in our general programming, we conduct a variety of special needs programs that focus on the needs of individuals with specific disabilities. Read More…

Recent News & Events

The Jewish Rainbow Program (JRP) of the Ohel Avraham Congregation at the Leo Baeck Education Centre in Haifa provides a pathway for members of the LGBTQ community to strengthen their Jewish identity, develop leadership skills, and become active participants in Jewish communal life. It connects … [Read More...]

Dear Friends,
As the new Managing Director of the Leo Baeck Education Center, I would like to share with you the following delightful item about Samia Diab, the Director of the Leo Baeck Community Center in Haifa, Israel, and the first Arab Muslim woman to head a Jewish Community Center in … [Read More...]